McDonough Deputies Finalize Contract

Macomb, IL 61455 – Staff members at the McDonough County sheriff's office have a new contract. The county board approved a contract retroactive to Dec. 1, 2003. Board chairman Bob Harwick says the county's precarious fiscal condition slowed negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police. The contract provides annual salary hikes of two, three and four percent. Harwick says the county plans to begin talks on a new three-year contract in December of this year. He says that will give negotiators a full year to reach an agreement.